The Cellar

by John Nicholl

Pub Date: 7 Nov 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

Marcus Grove works in hospital for the criminally insane, but facing disciplinary action. He is there harbouring knowledge from the patients about the skills on killing before performing his own executions.
Years later, Marcus is on a killing spree for his own perverse satisfaction. He wants to pass on his skills and seeks a protégé in artist, Lucy Williams. Lucy now needs to survive the ordeal and escape from Marcus’s clutches.
I was anticipating more of a juicy read from the description and previous books by John Nicholl that I devoured. Something just didn’t gel with this book.

 

The Puppet Master

by Sam Holland

Pub Date: 30 Apr 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

Cara and her team are called to a grizzly suicide when a man jumps in front of a train. Then Nate is informed of another suicide, but knowing the victim, he knows this couldn’t b possible. Soon it transpires, a lot of recent suicides are not as they are first perceived. There is a killer out there, watching and always ahead of the game.
Gruesome in places, this outstanding read won’t leave you feeling disappointed. Another great read in the series that will keep you hooked to the end. Possible best to read the previous books first to understand the characters a little better, plus references about the Echo Man may be a spoiler!

 

The Mystery Guest

by Nita Prose

Pub Date: 18 Jan 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

Molly the maid is back in another amazing cosy crime book. A distinguished author dies at The Regency Grand hotel, and Molly’s input while the detectives investigate the case, allow her to assist the team to discover the truth. All while maintaining cleaning and etiquette standards to ‘perfection’. 
I really warmed to Molly’s positive and bubbly nature who speaks her mind in the politest way. With her childhood spent at the authors mansion, when her beloved Gran was a maid there, Molly has an insight in the killers true motive.
Thoroughly enjoyable, I would love to see another Molly the Maid mystery.

 

Bad Apple

by Alice Hunter

Pub Date: 9 May 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

As a member of the police force, when Becky learns her police husband is a rapist, she turns him in. It soon becomes a story about protecting their own, and everyone turns on Becky and she leaves the police. But she is determined her husband will pay for his crimes and seeks vengeance. But he is not the only bad apple.  
I was expecting to be wowed by this book after reading the blurb and previous books by Alice Hunter, but this one didn’t hold my interest and fell a bit flat. A little surreal in places and overlooking the obvious basics in police work.

 

The Intruders

by Louise Jensen

Pub Date: 11 Apr 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 9 May 2024

Cass and James take on a new adventure when they housesit an old manor house, Newington House, with a murderous past. Thirty years ago the Madley family were killed by an invader, but
the youngest child hid and escaped the onslaught. However, Cass is spooked when things start moving place and hearing noises. Cass and James are expecting their first baby and encourages them to look into their own family history and unearth some painful truths.
The book also features points of view from two mothers and their families from thirty years ago which implodes the whole plot. A gritty, dark psychological thriller that will keep you fixated on wanting to know the true events of that fateful night.
Louise Jensen always provided a first class read and The Intruders will blow your socks off!! 5 stars!! The book is fast paced, well written, has detailed characters that you really warm to. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

 

A Killing in Paradise

by Elliot F. Sweeney

Pub Date: 6 Jun 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 May 2024

Dylan Kasper is a former policeman, turned PI and investigates the murder to Patience’s brother on an infamous London housing estate. It turns out Patience’s brother discovered a thriving snuff film enterprise and took a camera with raw footage. Then Kasper stumbles across a draw full of photos, linking numerous sex workers to these heinous films who are all missing, presumed murdered.
The investigation takes Kasper down a dangerous path that he knows could end his own life, but pursues it regardless to find the truth and justice for all those killed.
An enthralling tale that keeps you encapsulated, wanting to know what happens next. Totally worth a read for any crime procedural fan, with plenty of twists included to keep you guessing. This is the second book, but can easily be read as a standalone.

 

Storm Child

by Michael Robotham

Pub Date: 26 Jun 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 May 2024

Hmmm, I was so excited to read the next instalment of Evie and Cyrus, but felt let down by this plot. Obviously there was a need to reference refugees and asylum seekers at this was central to the plot and unearthing Evie’s hidden past. However this subject felt over emphasised and raw opinions making it an uncomfortable read. Evie’s edge seemed tamed and not as gritty as usual. Plus all the various characters in Scotland became a bit muddled. But at least it came to a conclusion, not sure if this is the end of the Evie and Cyrus saga, hopefully the next instalment will be in the same league as books 1-3. It would be beneficial to read this series in order to appreciate their relationship and Evie’s nature.